A portion of the population have horse allergy. In accordance with the type of allergy, the following reactions may show:

* Watery eyes * Hives or rashes * Itchy eyes, skin or nose * Asthma attacks * Sneezing and coughing * Breathing difficulty

The initial encounter with horses is best enjoyed by closely examining if one has an allergy. Precaution must be undertaken by the asthmatic individual because an asthma attack, which may be fatal under extreme conditions, may develop from a horse allergy. Moreover, if one is asthmatic, precautionary steps, like getting an inhaler or medicine ready, must be taken especially when dealing with horse for the first time. Keeping an eye on asthmatic children who get acquainted with horses for the first time is also a must.

Dander is often blamed for horse allergy. Dander is a result of the flaking of the horse’s skin and falling of hair. Aside from dander, horse mites, particularly their droppings, are also typical culprits of horse allergy. A third set of causes is horse urine and saliva.

In spite of putting distance from horses, the occurrence of horse allergy may still happen through indirect contact. To illustrate, tack and clothing used during riding a horse may harbor mite droppings and dander, which may also rub off to rugs and blankets. Getting in contact with these may consequently result to horse allergy. Some experiences tell of a scenario wherein one family member who rides horses triggered the allergy attack of another non-riding member by way of his riding gear and clothing which he brought home. It is prudent then for the rider to change clothes and swab off tack before heading home. Confined places, such as the barn, where horses have settled in must also be avoided to prevent an allergic attack even if the horses have vacated the place already.

Treatment

The treatment options for horse allergies are much similar to other types of allergies; staying clear of triggers is foremost, but medicines like corticosteroids, anti-histamines and desensitizing agents may also serve well. A doctor’s advice regarding these alternatives is important.

An analysis to identify the particular element of the horse that one is sensitive to should be undergone for people who must be around horses so that treatment options can be readily made available.

* When the particular allergen is dander, horses with curly hair do not bring about such reaction according to many people. It appears that they give off little dander, thus, making it possible for allergic riders to ride them.

* Underscoring horse mites as the main allergen, subjecting the horse and its box to treatment against mites may bring the allergic episodes to a lower notch.

* Underscoring horse urine as the allergen, shunning affected areas like the horse box and cleaning the horse may make it feasible for allergic people to be with horses.

* Regardless of the situation, knowledge on the precise cause of the horse allergy may make it possible for an allergic person to be with horses without the feared reactions.

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